If you take the train from Geneva to Chamonix, beware that the Geneva train station is *not* the central station. You need to cross half the city to get to a small (grass overgrown) station from where the train to Chamonix departs. At least, this was the situation 3 years ago.

This extra time you need to get from one station to another caused me to miss the last train of the day *twice* (on the way to Chamonix, and on the way back). Missed it by mere minutes both times, while I ran the traject with 15 kgs on my back. I can ensure you, I wasn't very happy. I spent the next year cursing swiss trains... Had to stay in a hotel in Geneva.

Maybe you can make it when you take the bus, but I didn't have swiss money.

Its an easy train ride to Chamonix since there are direct trains from Paris, Geneva, and several major cities. There is a station in central Chamonix and everything is within easy walking distanced.

Your starting point for most climbs will be cable cars and/or the Montenvers mountain train. Public transportation is practical in the Chamonix Valley. If you have a car, it is quite difficult to park downtown due to tourists.

If you take the train from Geneva to Chamonix, beware that the Geneva train station is *not* the central station. You need to cross half the city to get to a small (grass overgrown) station from where the train to Chamonix departs. At least, this was the situation 3 years ago.

This extra time you need to get from one station to another caused me to miss the last train of the day *twice* (on the way to Chamonix, and on the way back). Missed it by mere minutes both times, while I ran the traject with 15 kgs on my back. I can ensure you, I wasn't very happy. I spent the next year cursing swiss trains... Had to stay in a hotel in Geneva.

Maybe you can make it when you take the bus, but I didn't have swiss money.